Heart Under Construction Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

happy with classroom construction paper hearts
we welcomed February, her mulberry skies.
the paper doilies' lavishness; more than enough

glitter for an icestorm.
we were warm inside, tracing the heart again
and again with perfect pencil lines

edging it with lace.
with snow in our yard
and the moon just

one exquisite scallop
of vanilla scooped.
how simple to think that there

could be
a box on a calendar day in the classroom
covered with butcher paper

and cut out hearts
that could contain
all the love we could send in one day.

and so I rain down all my paper hearts
for you oh cherry riddling world
from now till then

inscribing your name
on all the candies.

mary angela douglas 24 october 2015